Pledging conference to help end suffering of South Sudanese

Many more South Sudanese will suffer if funding is not made available immediately, according to a senior UN humanitarian coordinator in the country.

Ahead of a pledging conference in Norway starting on Tuesday, Vincent Lelei said more than $1.2 billion is needed to support the most vulnerable.

More than four million people are facing acute food insecurity in South Sudan as people have not been able to cultivate their crops due to ongoing conflict.

Mr Lelei explained how the situation could develop without adequate humanitarian assistance.

“If we don’t get that money let me go that route. What will happen? The level of suffering for those who have been extremely affected by this crisis. Families that are not in their homes and require shelter. Families that have no food and require food. Nutrient supplements for babies that is not available right now. Water and sanitation services, health services, many of these families are in an extremely dire situation and [if] the funding is not made available right now, the suffering will be even more. ”

Experts have also warned that some areas of South Sudan could risk famine.

On Monday, Norway had reportedly already pledged a $63 million aid package to South Sudan.